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Spring Restaurant Guide
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LA BOULANGERIE
625 St. Charles Ave. 569-1925;
3143 Ponce de Leon St. 940-0577;
4526 Magazine St. 269-3777
There's a variation on the menu at each La Boulangerie location. The Ponce de Leon Street location bakes up French pastries and breads, the Magazine Street locale is a full bakery, and the St. Charles Avenue spot serves coffee, breakfast and lunch. Some of the favorites at the downtown La Boulangerie include the hot open-face sandwich with bacon and blue cheese and hot soups changing daily and fresh bread. Hours vary by location. Credit cards. $
LA CARRETA
108 N.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond (985) 419-9990;
www.carretarestaurant.com
The La Carreta dip is the most popular appetizer on this Mexican menu, made with melted white cheese and jalapenos. But a host of new menu items increases the options, including tortilla soup, flautas and several vegetarian dishes. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
LA CHATELAINE
800 Iberville St. (Chateau Sonesta Hotel) 586-0800;
www.chateausonestahotel.com
When the morning calls for something that sticks to your ribs, try the Chateau Sonesta's egg sandwich, a fried egg on your choice of bread topped with American cheese, bacon or sausage and served with fries. Reservations accepted. Breakfast daily. Credit cards. $
LA COCINITA ESCONDIDA
4520 Freret St. 891-9557
³The little hidden kitchen² has attracted lots of attention since turning 1 year old. Its Nicaraguan fare has made many fans of its pupusas and carne asada. The house recommends the Nicaraguan-style tacos ($3.75) for a satisfying lunch. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, early lunch on Saturday. Credit cards. $
LA COTE BRASSERIE
700 Tchoupitoulas St. (Renaissance Arts Hotel) 613-2350;
www.lacotebrassserie.com
This French fusion bistro prides itself on its raw seafood bar with an array of clams, mussels, sashimi, lobster and oysters. House specialties include the shrimp brochette, tempura fried on bamboo skewers with Creole remoulade sauce, followed by the fresh dessert selection made by La Cote's in-house pastry chef. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
LA CREPE NANOU
1410 Robert St. 899-2670
The menu at this French cafe goes far beyond delicate crepes, with offerings such as steamed mussels in a garlic white wine sauce. The dinner and dessert crepes still steal the spotlight, though, with concoctions like the Crepe Ecrevisse with sauteed crawfish tails and lobster sauce, and the sweet Crepe Marrons with coffee ice cream, chestnut cream and rum flambe. Dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LA CUISINE
225 W. Harrison Ave. 486-7664
With more than 65 menu items, La Cuisine offers an array of seafood, Creole and continental dishes for all types of cravings, from crawfish to oysters to steak. House specialties include crabcakes, grilled lemon fish, and the coco-honey shrimp, a shrimp and coconut medley. Also consider the rack of veal, lamb tenderloin, eggplant casserole and stuffed mirliton. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$
LA MACARENA PUPUSERIA AND RESTAURANT
4221 Williams Blvd., Kenner 464-4525
La Macarena's offerings include the favorite pupusas: corn-stuffed tortilla cakes filled with cheeses and pork. Or try yuca fritas, deep-fried yuca root adorned with Latin slaw, pico de gallo and a sprinkling of pork crackling. Bring your own bottle (for now). Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Cash only. $
LA MADELEINE
547 St. Ann St. 568-0073;
601 S. Carrollton Ave. 861-8662;
3300 Severn Ave., Metairie 456-1624;
3434 Hwy. 190 (Albertson's Premier Shopping Center), Mandeville (985) 626-7004;
5171 Citrus Blvd., Jefferson 818-2450;
www.lamadeleine.com
This popular chain keeps a line of customers flowing in the mornings with their fresh-baked goods, and also serves a smaller menu of soups, salads and sandwiches throughout the day. Grab either a baguette or croissant to accompany your coffee, or finish off a meal with the creme brulee, strawberry Napoleon or tiramisu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LA MARQUISE PASTRY SHOP
625 Chartres St. 524-0420
La Marquise is a pastry shop second to none, except maybe its sister shop, Croissant D'Or. A decadent breakfast here starts with a wide selection of croissants and pastries to go with your morning tea or cup of joe. La Marquise also offers lunch favorites such as chicken gumbo, Caesar and chef salads, studded with meat, cheeses and eggs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Checks. $
LA NOUVELLE CAFE FRENCH PASTRIES
3650 Magazine St. 269-8130
The eclectic menu at this cozy eatery combines inventive salads and sandwiches with a full complement of flaky French pastries. Chef Seifu also serves several Ethiopian specialties, such as the Kitfo Special, minced beef seasoned with herbed Ethiopian butter sauce, served raw or lightly cooked. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards and checks. $
LE PARVENU RESTAURANT
509 Williams Blvd., Kenner 471-0534
Nestled in an elegant old house, this restaurant adds a touch of class to an intimate date or a lively party. The menu sticks to Cajun and Creole classics, like a shrimp, mirliton and crabmeat bisque and broiled Louisiana crabcakes served with fettuccine Alfredo. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
LA PENICHE
1940 Dauphine St. 943-1460
A favorite stop in Faubourg Marigny for the weary, La Peniche serves up a wicked burger into the wee hours of the night. The house recommends its Kathryn burger, a one-of-a-kind hamburger topped with ham, Swiss cheese and grilled onions with your choice of potato. Also consider the eggs Benedict, a favorite for breakfast, and La Peniche serves it all day, every day. Open 24 hours, except for 2 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. Credit cards. $
LA PROVENCE
25020 Hwy 190., Lacombe (985) 626-7662;
www.laprovencerestaurant.com
Chef-owner Constantin Kerageorgiou offers attractive options for regional French fare at this Northshore locale. Specials include the Hareng Marine, marinated herring served on a bed of potato salad sprinkled with diced tomatoes, Moroccan olives, red onions and parsley. Be sure to ask about the prix fixe, or dine a la carte. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wednesday through Sunday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards and checks. $$$
LA SPIGA BAKERY
2440 Chartres St. 949-2253
If you can't make it there between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, track down La Spiga's tasty mushroom-and-olive or sun-dried tomato stuffed breads at one of the Crescent City Farmers Markets around town. La Spiga has changed out hot cross buns for Easter in place of the Queen cakes for spring. Other favorites include the sweet potato turnover, homemade pies, brioche and panini sandwiches on La Spiga's fresh-baked bread. Breakfast and lunch Saturday. Checks. $
LA THAI CUISINE
933 Metairie Road, Metairie 828-3089/828-3080
La Thai has a solid reputation for blending Creole and Thai cuisine. New dishes for spring include hoisin honey duck, served with mashed sweet potatoes. The house recommends the pecan-walnut crusted oysters fried with a confit of artichokes and leeks, or the martini coconut shrimp. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
LAFAYETTE SPORTS CLUB
628 St. Charles Ave. (Lafayette Hotel) 410-2582
The Doyle Restaurant group and Chef Drue Vitter provide a rotating daily specials list and the house specialty, the Lafayette Sports Club baked oysters, served on a bed of crawfish stuffing and shrimp meuniere sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $$
LAKEVIEW HARBOR
911 Harrison Ave. 486-4887
This neighborhood family-friendly hangout offers plenty of choices including po-boys, burgers, steaks, salads, daily specials, pizzas and grilled or fried seafood (including the platter). Even the finicky of the grown-up persuasion can choose from turkey or veggie burgers on a whole-wheat bun or from Atkins- and South Beach-friendly items. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards. $$
LAMA'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
7007 Read Lane 242-5656
Locals head out to Lama's for affordable seafood, particularly the oysters on the half shell, served ice cold for $5.59 a dozen. Also try the seafood platters, grilled fish of the day (seasonal) or try one of the house po-boys. Some of the more creative versions of the French bread classic include the breaded veal or grilled tuna. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $
LANDRY'S RESTAURANT
789 Harrison Ave. 488-6496
The staff at this Lakeview neighborhood spot recommends the seafood pasta. Shrimp, crawfish and oysters in a cream sauce cover a bed of angel hair pasta. They also advise to save room for dessert, with pecan pie, fudge brownie pie and peanut butter pie awaiting you at the end of your meal. Breakfast Saturday, lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Thursday through Saturday. Cash only. $
LAURENTINO'S RESTAURANT
4410 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie 779-9393
This new Metairie eatery serves mainly traditional Spanish dishes, including tapas, the trendy international cuisine item. Also consider the homemade paellas, lamb chops, tuna, salmon or rack of lamb with a glass of sangria. Namesake owner Laurentino invites you on Wednesdays to try the chicken or lamb chilindron, a peppery stew traditionally from northern Spain, with potatoes, carrots, peppers and garlic. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, lunch and early dinner Saturday. Credit cards. $$.
LE BON TEMPS ROULE
4801 Magazine St. 897-3448/895-8117
Live music and a friendly staff make for a good time at Le Bon Temps. Now delivering between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., get your chicken salad on Monday, chicken Parmesan on Tuesday, shrimp quesadillas or shrimp tacos on Wednesday, meatloaf on Thursday, and fresh grilled catfish and macaroni on Friday. The kitchen stays open 24/7 on weekends for the seasoned partygoers to wind down and grab some grub. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily, 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Credit cards. $
LE PETIT PARIS
731 Common St. 524-7660
Try the rosemary baked chicken or the garlic-infused pork loin at this CBD lunch spot. Also choose from several types of quiche and croissants baked in the kitchen. There is also an extensive selection of desserts. Lunch and early dinner Monday through Friday. Cash only. $
LEBANON'S CAFE
1500 S. Carrollton Ave. 862-6200
This Carrollton eatery moved just a stone's throw away from its original spot last year, but this hotspot for Middle Eastern cuisine keeps a steady flow of lunch customers with its hearty-portioned gyros. Also consider the new shrimp kebabs or tuna steak, or stick with the classic 12- or 14-oz. filet mignon. For vegetarians, try the veggie plate with basmati rice. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LEE CIRCLE RESTAURANT
3 Lee Circle (Hotel Le Cirque) 962-0915
Chef Ryan Hughes combines the ever-changing elegant menu with the modern decor. The house recommends the boudin-stuffed, tempura-fried bobwhite quail, followed by the sesame citrus gastrique salad. For an entree, consider the fricassee of rabbit gnocchi with wild mushrooms, croquettes, and glazed baby carrots. Reservations recommended. Lunch Monday through Friday, breakfast and dinner Monday through Saturday, dinner Sunday. Credit cards. $$$
LEE'S HAMBURGERS
103 Schlief Drive, Belle Chasse 392-9922;
904 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 836-6804;
2100 Airline Drive, Kenner 472-0966;
4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 885-0110
Proudly declaring their burgers as the freshest you can get, all four Lee's in the New Orleans metro area are privately owned with some differences in the menus. The Schlief Drive and Airline Drive locations serve lunch specials such as fried shrimp and hamburger steak. Lunch and dinner daily. Methods of payment vary by location. $
LEMON GRASS RESTAURANT
217 Camp St. (International House Hotel) 523-1200;
www.lemongrass.rest.com
Regulars swear by the chicken Roti, seared lemon grass marinated cubes of chicken breast served with steamed vegetables and two kinds of rice. Chef Minh Bui blends Vietnamese, Louisiana and French tastes with a creative menu that includes wok-steamed salmon with grilled stack veggies and balsamic reduction. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
LIBORIO CUBAN RESTAURANT
321 Magazine St. 581-9680
Go for Cuban classics such as the seafood paella at Liborio's, which comes with lobster, shrimp, fish and chicken with saffron rice and sweet plantains. Another house favorite is the Ropa Vieja (³old clothes²). Don't let the name turn you off; it's a beef brisket stewed with onions, olive oil, tomatoes and garlic and served with black beans and rice. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
LILETTE
3637 Magazine St. 895-1636;
www.americascuisine.com/neworleans/lilettemenu.html
Star chef John Harris traded lives with someone in Austin, Texas, on a recent cable program, but we're glad he likes this life better. See why he's staying home with specials such as the pan-roasted Alaskan cod with sunchoke puree, chanterelle mushrooms and a marsala butter. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Credit cards. $$
LITTLE TOKYO RESTAURANT
1521 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie 831-6788
The house specialty is the Love Boat. No, not the TV show, it's a giant platter in the shape of a boat carrying tempura shrimp and vegetables, chicken and beef teriyaki, sashimi and sushi, a California roll and fresh fruit -- perfect for two people to share. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. Credit cards and checks. $$
LITTLE TOKYO RESTAURANT PART II
3225 Williams Blvd., Kenner 443-7660
Check out the sushi buffet and a la carte menu, but don't forget the hot dishes offered at Little Tokyo II while you're there. The house recommends the teppan-yaki steak and seafood dishes and the ³shabu shabu,² meaning ³hot pot,² and a chef will come to your table to prepare your food as you watch. Other favorites include the Hawaiian steak marinated in pineapple soy with garlic and ginger. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LIUZZA'S BY THE TRACK
1518 N. Lopez St. 943-8667;
www.nola.com/sites/liuzzas
The ultimate in neighborhood dining, Liuzza's keeps locals coming back with its comfort food and easy ambience. The house prides itself on the Creole gumbo, made with fresh sauteed shrimp, oysters, sausage and chicken. Everyone loves a good po-boy, so try the garlic oyster or the barbecue shrimp po-boy, and order a Bloody Mary to wash it all down. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards. $
LIUZZA'S RESTAURANT
234 N. Telemachus St. 488-3714;
www.liuzzas.com
The management recommends the eggplant St. John -- eggplant medallions with vermicelli pasta topped with shrimp and artichoke sauce. Another menu item that tops the local favorites' list is the Frenchuletta, an oversized muffaletta served hot on French bread. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LOLA'S
3312 Esplanade Ave. 488-6946
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Lola's has been a family-friendly treasure for Mid-City residents in the know. Choose from four different types of paella (seafood, veggie, meat or combination), all made fresh to order. For vegetarians, over half of the menu items can be made meatless. There is no liquor license, but bringing your own bottle of wine is encouraged. Dinner daily. Checks. $$
LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE SALOON
901 Clearview Pkwy., Harahan 736-0140;
1319 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner 469-0404;
1553 Gause Blvd., Slidell (985) 781-7827;
www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
Lone Star hand-cuts its steaks on premises and loads them onto the steak sandwich, heaped with a 7-oz. ribeye. Specials include all-you-can-eat-ribs on Mondays and all-you-can-eat fried catfish on Fridays. If a giant hunk of meat isn't your thing, Lone Star offers a full seafood menu, and fresh fish is available for Lent. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LOUIS XVI RESTAURANT FRANCAIS
730 Bienville St. (St. Louis Hotel) 581-7000;
www.louisxvi.com
Louis XVI prepares its plates with French elegance and style, and the luxurious menu of the namesake restaurant of the St. Louis Hotel reflects upon the opulence. Choices includes filet tartare prepared tableside, oysters Rockefeller and Bienville, and carre d'agneau gourmet lamb. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$$
LOUISIANA GRILL
2223 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville (985) 727-5585
The Sinclair brothers pride themselves on using fresh, indigenous Louisiana products in their eatery. Specialties of the house include lobster night on Tuesday and Thursday, prepared however you like it. Eat all the crawfish you want on Monday night, and Saturday is prime rib night. Consider also the seafood mixed grill with lobster and jumbo shrimp. There's even a humidor on the premises. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Credit cards and checks. $$
LOUISIANA HERITAGE CAFE
321 N. Peters St. (Bienville Hotel) 299-8800
This new restaurant (in the former Gamay location) brings Creole cuisine to the Bienville Hotel, and its affiliated school of cooking brings Chef Joseph Faroldi's techniques to the masses. Breakfast means the Rajun Cajun omelette is on the menu, with smoked sausage, ham, bell pepper and onion. Dinner brings hometown favorites like crawfish pie and blackened catfish. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $$
LOUISIANA PIZZA KITCHEN
95 French Market Place 522-9500;
615 S. Carrollton Ave. 866-5900;
2112 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna 433-5800
This local chain has a reputation for its gourmet pizzas and pasta dishes. Consider the chicken roulade, a grilled chicken breast stuffed with crawfish and andouille sausage, served with fettuccine in a tomato and basil cream sauce. LPK puts a spin on classic artichoke ravioli, a ricotta cheese version in a pesto cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and Parmesan cheese. Lunch and dinner daily. Credit cards. $
LUCKY'S BAR & GRILL
1625 St. Charles Ave. 523-6538
One of Igor's five restaurants, Lucky's brings on the expected burgers and bar food, including the half-pound Cajun burger generously flavored with Tony Chachere's. With drinks flowing freely, the washing machines tumbling in the back, and karaoke sessions late into the night on weekends, who could ask for more? Open 24 hours. Credit cards. $
LUCY'S RETIRED SURFERS BAR & RESTAURANT
701 Tchoupitoulas St. 523-8995;
6951 Magazine St. 895-0240;
www.lucysretiredsurfers.com
Lucy's brunch crowd favors the huevos rancheros and the eggs Monterey -- two crabcakes on spinach with two poached eggs, crawfish sauce and hollandaise sauce. For lunch, the Todos Santos Fish Tacos are a hands-down favorite. During Lent, Lucy's will host crawfish boils after 4 p.m. on Sundays at both locations, with a Latin and Brazilian band at the downtown location. Reservations for large parties only. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, brunch Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards. $
LULU'S
307 Exchange Alley 525-2600;
www.lulusinthegarden.com
Lulu's features a chalkboard breakfast menu, but don't let that fool you -- the chef's creations are innovative and elegant. Try the peanut butter and bacon on pumpernickel on for size, or stop by on Tuesdays for tapas and dinner specials like roasted vegetable lasagna, with veggies bought fresh at the Farmer's Market. Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday.
LULU'S IN THE GARDEN
2203 St. Charles Ave. (Garden District Hotel) 586-9956;
www.lulusinthegarden.com
With a new expanded liquor and wine list, Lulu's continues its reputation as a warm and elegant locale. Consider the warm-roasted mushroom salad or the tomato-roasted, garlic-braised lamb shank. Be sure to ask about desserts. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch Sunday. Credit cards. $$
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